Patron Alan Bailey Calls Stumps
Ferntree Gully & District Cricket Association Patron Alan Bailey has called it a day after 11 seasons at the helm.
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The local identity known as “Bails” fought through adversity at a young age, having been struck by a quarry truck at the Lysterfield Quarry when he was 13. He spent the next 3 years in and out of hospital courtesy of a crushed pelvis and broken legs.
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With his love of football and cricket, Bailey was a foundation member of the Bluebirds Junior Football Club in the 1970’s and wanted to keep all of the boys together in the off season. He enquired with FTGDCA President at the time, if a junior cricket club could be affiliated but was blatantly told no, unless a senior side could be formed. Hence, all of the fathers formed a “C”Grade team and the Bluebirds Cricket Club was up and running.
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Bailey has fond memories of starting the FTGDCA junior competition and recalls writing the rules one day with the assistance of John Brown and Greg Mastertoun. Furthermore, he thoroughly enjoyed his time coaching the FTGDCA U/14 rep sides in the Inter Association Carnivals (formerly IAJCC)
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When pressed on the best cricketer he had seen at local level, without hesitation, he selects Bluebirds all rounder Tony Smith with special mention of Upwey’s Shane Cross as the fastest bowler in his time. Both players went on to Premier club Ringwood.
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“Bails” was awarded life membership of the FTGDCA in 1986 and is also a life member of Bluebirds Cricket Club. In summing up his long involvement with the FTGDCA, Bailey said, “I enjoyed my time as patron, watching senior players develop within the association, who I had coached as a junior.” “I have seen plenty of cricket in my time, but to sustain a healthy senior competition, you must keep working on your junior development,” he said.
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We thank Alan for his great service to the Association over many years and hope to see him at matches in the future.
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We are also thrilled to advise that Association Life Member Norm Reeves has accepted the association offer to take on the role as Patron. Norm Reeves is a life member of the association and is known by everyone in local cricket circles and Norm was delighted to take on the role.